Legionella Pneumonia can cause death if not properly treated. People who are most at risk:

Older than 65

Smoke

Already have lung disease

Already have a weak or compromised immune system

How Do I Get Legionella Pneumonia

This pneumonia is a pulmonary infection and is contracted by inhaling water vapor or droplets containing the legionella bacteria.

Some doctors believe this bacteria is present in some drinking water, public swimming pools, and hot tubs. Lack of good hygiene, sanitizing, and pool chlorine can contribute to transmission and outbreak.

It may also be transmitted be contaminated water and cuts on the skin.

How Do I Get Treated?

Obviously you'll want to ask your doctor about the right kind of treatment, but antibiotics have been known to be effective.

Precautions Against Lung Infection

It's an environmental disease because it is transmitted from an environment (water) to a person.

Commercial and residential plumbing can be properly maintained and the right amount of sanitizer or swimming pool chlorine can be used to kill the bacteria. You must prevent and disinfect all areas in question, especially for public swimming pools.

Legionnaires Disease can be serious and life-threatening but most people should recover with an early visit to the doctor and the right antibiotic treatment.

I have heard about Legionella Pneumonia and Pontiac Fever and wanted to give you some information that I have picked up in the last 15 years of taking care of swimming pools.

This page is not to be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only.